Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has launched Text-Only Facebook and Discover in partnership with Meta by the top mobile operator Grameenphone so that its subscribers can stay seamlessly connected even if they are not on the Internet.
Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mostafa Jabbar officially unveiled the text-only Facebook and Discover at an event held on Tuesday, November 9. BTRC Chairman Shyam Sundar Sikder and Secretary of the Department of Posts and Telecommunications Md. Khalilur Rahman and representatives of meta and mobile operators were also present at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications said, “I have seen that during Corona pandemic, mobile service providers came out of business purpose and stood by the people in the society.” Helping to keep socio-economic activities going by ensuring connectivity. I thank everyone who were connected in this noble journey. Using Facebook without internet is a great initiative. This will help reduce the digital divide by ensuring information sharing and collectivity of marginalized people.
Grameenphone CEO Yasir Ajman said, “The global epidemic has accelerated our journey towards a digitally connected society and economy, and as a result, digital inclusion has grown exponentially, especially in countries like ours. Grameenphone is playing an important role through innovation and investment to ensure maximum benefits of digital solutions for people of all walks of life. Today’s launch is a joint venture with Meta and regulators to meet the needs of one of the world’s largest Facebook user bases for the proper use of digital technology, as well as to ensure the availability of vital information. ”
“I am grateful to the regulatory body for giving us the opportunity to take such a timely initiative so that everyone has access to information in this age without data,” he said.
Paul Kim, director of Meta’s Asia Pacific International Business Development and Operator Partnership, said: “It is important to help people stay connected and ensure their continued access to vital resources such as education and health on the Internet. We are grateful to be able to contribute to these programs to ensure better connectivity and access for the people of Bangladesh.”
Grameenphone will help digital inclusion in Bangladesh and accelerate the country’s journey towards digital goals by ensuring connectivity and accessibility by unveiling text-only Facebook and Discover.
Through text-only Facebook, Grameenphone subscribers will be able to stay connected to the text-only version of Facebook and Messenger until their next balance is up, even if their internet is exhausted. In addition, the mobile web and Android app ‘Discover’ will allow Grameenphone customers to browse the internet without any data charges with a 15 MB daily balance. In addition, customers will be able to view messages and icons with a low-bandwidth feature, such as free data, through Discover. With this, Grameenphone subscribers will be able to stay connected with education, health and job-related issues at all times.
